Caray, Caray!

Great work, Sylvia.

I have to say that I am having real trouble with this series. William Levy does nothing for me -- mostly because of his mumbling -- and I was a bit too creeped out by that hunt.
I'm now ready to believe that Salvador Mejia hates women after that scene.
 

Bright and breezy Sylvia. You covered all the details perfectly and this was a wonderful read. "Pestercita", "Estercita nods with lying eyes" and "they gleefully toast their perfidy with shots of tequila" were among my favorites.

Can't decide if Estercita or Hernan is embroiled in the bigger pity party. Although unemotional in his conversations to Estercita, Dam is positively warm and fuzzy compared to Marina's cool and (now) fairly dismissive attitude toward Hernan. At least Estercita knows she doesn't have Dam's heart. Hernan has wrapped himself in a cocoon of denial continuing to court Marina who can barely tolerate him.

Happy to see Rebecca (I've always liked Nora Salinas). Jose needs a love interest and more to do than hanging out with Bea and hovering over Mercedes.

"Dam gives Laz a short PSA that many whores have hearts of gold, some of his best friends are whores, but hey Jazmin chose her line of work." Really Dam? The reality is it's no girl's dream to grow up and be a whore. Proof positive Dam has grown in love but remains in a primitive state about women. Period.

UA, I confess I am hooked on Dam's looks but frustrated by his attitude and continue to hope he gains an enlightened attitute once he steps into the 21st century. That said, I was upset by Nerdo's "hunt" and very upset he caught her with the police so frustratingly close. This stoyline is upsetting - totally agree.

Diana
 

Cap'n Sylvia:

Wonderful, snarky recap. I too liked Pestercita for Estercita.

I was surprised that May held Ester back when Marina and DamFab came out of the Church. That ring was big too. I can't blame Marina for leaving him standing there with egg on his face. Dude, do not be professing your love for Marina while carrying your other girl's ring. Bad taste dude, lol.

So Fully is all about the "Sins of the Father Shall be Visited on the Son". Seems like he couldn't get back at Michel but DamFab will do. And now we find out that Fully did indeed have a something, something for Mercedes. Herny really is obsessed with Marina too. Both men are like peas in a pod. Both driven by obsession.

I am glad Marina is standing her ground. She is a strong grounded woman, something Bea doesn't see. Maybe Rebecca the Tia can finally talk some sense into Bea. And the look Jose gave Rebecca, he sure looked smitten.

Lazaro took a turn to the dark side didn't he? I wish he had told DamFab about how JazLu really ended up in her line of work. I really wonder if JazLu has really done anything with anyone. I wonder because when Lazaro came to her little room she was crying and explaining about being in her line of work. Lazaro knows how evil Nero is so why didn't he tell DamFab about that? And poor Bettina. She really needs a cast iron skillet for Nero's head. I too didn't like that hunt.

I am really liking Commandante Robles. Just on a gut feeling he went looking and almost found Bettina. I was yelling, run girl, run. It's a shame the Commandante didn't find her first.

I got vibes with the caracoles, lol. We had a caracoles reading Opalina in AV. She was really good at reading them ; )


 

I knew I had seen Nereo before but it took me a while to realize it's our old villain Gasca! Yuck!

Novelera in AZ
 

thanks, Cap'n. I missed this episode because hub and I were out to a nice dinner with old friends. After reading about that hunt, I am happy that I was laughing , chatting, and enjoying a good meal instead of watching that upsetting episode. I guess I'll keep watching this show because there aren't many other alternatives.

Where have old the good novelas gone ? I am missing Carla Estrada so much.
 

The song that Hernan was playing on the violin reminded me of the song "How Gentle Is The Rain". I didn't know it was a classical piece. ; )
 

Thank you Cap'n for a wonderful recap!

I am liking Rebeca. Jose did look interested.

Ok, so Fulgencio loved Mercedes but she never loved him back because she loved Michel who did not love her back. Talk about unrequited love. Now it makes sense why Fulgencio hated Michel so much.

Hernan is crazy, There is no doubt about it.

 

Thanks a bunch, Cap'n Sylvia! I'm having so much trouble hearing/understanding Dam and the recaps help so much.

The other day, when Bea said that Mercedes had only caused trouble for them - Bea slipped over to the dark side. If it weren't for Mercedes, she wouldn't be feeling better, living in a nice home by the sea, taken care of by a full time maid/cook, with a good looking bodyguard/driver and a great job for Marina. (After Marina was blacklisted!)

Bea expects Marina to take care of her, marry the man Bea chooses, and run Marina's life. Bea needs to get her own life and I don't like whiners!

Marea Primavera
 

Sylvia, fabulous recap! I mean this as the highest praise when I say I thought I was reading Novelamaven at first. You two have a very similar witty, hilarious, intelligent style!

So clever from start to finish but my faves:

Pestercita
"It seems that no matter where Marina goes today Dam shows up too" (ISTA!)
"(Dude, how can she when you keep following her around?)"
and
"Who is just perfect for Bea, er, Marina"

So we got the big reveal of Foolgencio being in love with Mercedes. Huh. Don't really care that much but maybe I will later!

The Commandante seems like a good guy and at least has his heart in the right place. Let's hope he has more smarts than most of the law enforcement officers we see in these TNs.

Thanks again, Cap'n Sylvia!

Katy


 

Gracias Cap'n

This is becoming more Mejia like. Stupid church scene, I can just see a manly seaman doing that, gag.
Hernán needs some accompaniment from Santiago's sax (Santa Diabla). They are both pitiful.

Makes so much sense, Michel stole your woman so you hate his son.
 

Madelaine...I'm actually thinking that Fully either murdered or took part in the murder of Michel Fabre with the malicious way in which he said "...and you paid for it with your life!"

Beatriz is getting on my nerves. If she loves Hernan so much, why doesn't SHE marry him? *eyeroll*

Hernan is clearly a few sandwiches short of a picnic. I'm pretty disgusted with the women trafficking storyline and I hate his character more knowing that he runs the whole thing. Ugh.

UA, I agree about William Levy's mumbling. Cesar Evora should teach him how to tone down that Cuban accent. Although, Levy also has that Miami/Cuban thing going on...I can't take it. I sometimes wait for Hulu and the subtitles to know what he's talking about.

Great Recap!!


 

Did anyone see the episode ofModern Family in which SofiaVagara's .Colombian mother visits and pressures her to name her new baby Fulgencio ? Can't help but giggle everytime I hear the name now.
 

Thanks for another hilarious recap, Sylvia. I'm so glad that you're back recapping this.

I was feeling sorry for you last night with those conversations between Damián and Marina that droned on and on and on...

I was thrilled to see Rebeca (Sarita from FELS) show up. She's looking great and the character seems frisky.

Does Lolo remind anyone else of Polita (AV)?

Carlos
 

Carlos:

Yes, Lolo does remind me of Polita, but the question is, Can he sing ; )
 

Tierra,

You make a good point. I hope they give us more clues about that.
 

Good morning everyone and thank you for your comments.

We are now in week #3 and yes, we are starting to get those endless and repeat scenes where people say the same things over and over again. Well it's no surprise, is it? Also, that disease seems to have struck the town. You know, that one where people are unable to share the entire truth? Laz, I'm talking to you here.

Katy, why thank you for that amazing compliment. I am happy to be mistaken for Novela Maven.

UA, believe it or not this is one of the first Mejia projects I have seen. I did watch Mundo de Fieras (very average) but stopped watching FELS and Corazon Salvaje. I would have to agree he seems to have some women issues, yet Monica Miguel is directing this and she is a strong woman. We'll see how it goes.

Susanlynn, last I heard Carla was going to produce another historical TN but I don't know what the status of that is. I love how she keeps her productions wisely and mercifully short. I agree that CE is the best.

Tierra, I think Fully pretty much cinched the deal that he was responsible for Michel's death.

Carlos, I just poured myself a shot of frozen cucumber vodka and shut my eyes during those interminable church scenes. Blah blah blah, how many ways can you say the same thing? Apparently there are many, LOL!

Wasn't that hilarious when Dam Stoopid dropped the ring? What an oaf.
 

Great stuff, Sylvia. Since I watch without CC, I am most grateful for your recap of El DamFabCap's mumbling words of seductional reminders of The Kiss to let's run away and play house somewhere together. I heard nothing and saw all of it. Thank you.

Hernan gives classical violinists everywhere a bad name. How can anyone appreciate those beautiful sounds when we wish he and his violin would fall in the pond and drown. (But please, let him and his gorgeous hair and bod live for another tn.)

Yes, Hernan did contract the classical mariachis for that very evening. Did Marina turn down an invitation because she wanted to daydream, er, work that night--we'll never know. She has turned the cold shoulder on him several times.

About the HerMar kiss tonight (if we can believe it), she's told Hernan no kissing on the lips, dude, so he deserves a slap (we hope). OTOH, if she really wants to wash that hunky blonde cap'n out of her hair and have him quit showing up wherever she goes (good one Sylvia) that's one way to accomplish it.

Love Pestercita's new name.

Somehow I don't see Rebecca as being Jose's type. He's too conventional and straight-laced to me. But maybe she can loosen him up a bit. Just wish she didn't have to have hair extensions. It makes bathing in the sea and pools so much more difficult.

UA--The only woman Mejia likes right now is Dona Eusebia and she is a bit rara herself. At least he hasn't dressed Marina up to look like a 'ho.

I got a laugh out of Esthercita having to hold her skirt down in the wind with both hands. Serves them right for picking a location where the sea breezes blow constantly (hey, I'm not complaining--I love the location).

Marea Prim--Well put. You couldn't be any clearer what Bea's situation is, thanks completely to Mercedes. But there is a grain of truth, she's no longer in the big city, she's lost control over Marina, Marina's prospects for a good marriage have been reduced to Hernan and Damian (heaven forbid) and she's still having asthmatic attacks.

Maybe we should add her to the pity party Esthercita and Hernan are having--and Fulgencio to a certain degree--he just takes it out on the steering wheel.
 

I like the addition of Rebecca. I'm wondering if she will be a good or bad character here. Good I hope, for Jose's sake. But I also had a flash of an idea that she might want to steal Hernan for herself. I guess we'll see. I can't wait until she gets a load of Capitan Damian Fabre.


 

Thanks for the recap, Sylvia! Other commentators have covered your best lines, so I'll just say thank you for your expertise :)

@Urban Anthropologist: You bring up a great point. I caught so many instances of sexism in this one episode:

1. The hunt (no explanation needed)
2. Dam Fab's comment about Jazmin. Women "choose" to become prostitutes "because they don't know how to do anything else"? How about being poor and needing the money? How about being forced to do it? Pissed me off so much.
3. Hernan's insistence that Marina needs a man to protect her.

On the flip side, Marina and Mercedes are both strong female characters. Mercedes is my favorite character of this TN so far. Her story is sad, yet engrossing.

I have a theory: Could Fulgencio be Marina's biological father? He mentioned that Michael stole the only woman he ever loved...could that woman be Mercedes? In an earlier capitulo, we saw her kneeling by Michael's grave. Fool as Marina's father would be an interesting twist.

The church scene made my heart melt. Dam Fab is falling hard.

@Diana: I like Rebecca already too. Hopefully she won't fall in Hernan's web of V-neck-wearing charm.
 

Anita, just read your post. OK so Hernan DID contract those guys for that night, but I don't recall him actually talking to Marina. Maybe his flowers included an invite and she just never called him back? Maybe I missed it. Maybe I don't care.

I don't have English CCs on my hideous old TV, but I do have Spanish CCs which help immensely in understanding William Levy. I'm not sure I would understand him otherwise. Cesar Evora should get an award for enunciation. I can understand him even when he's having a tantrum.

Bailey Marie, OMG this is so funny: "Hernan's web of V-neck-wearing charm".
 

About Carla Estrada, I heard her historical TN has been put on hold, don't know why, but she is producing a "novella" on Hoy on Thursdays during the second hour of Hoy. It is a combo of Amor Real and Alborada (sp). It is hilarious and involves the whole cast of Hoy and special guest stars. Check it out sometime.
 

"Cesar Evora should get an award for enunciation. I can understand him even when he's having a tantrum."
Exactly! Levy should take notes! Lord help us during the upcoming (inevitable) crying scenes with him. I must admit that his acting has gotten a little better,though.

I was a bit skeptical about watching this novela. The last project I'd scene of Mejia was TDA and it was like watching a train derail and crash...in slow motion. PAINFUL to watch. This is a step above that, thankfully.
 

Sylvia--I get the sense Rebecca would appreciate CapDamFab more than Hernan.

And speaking of that Bach minuet...that is the piece every 10 year old plays at their piano recital! I about fell over when, in his fit of dark, stormy rage, Hernan started playing THAT piece! Hahahaha! There are so many darker, angry violin pieces that would have better fit his mood.

Susanlynn I forgot that was the name they wanted to name Gloria's baby!! Sooo funny and I'm so glad you reminded me. I remember Jay worrying because his initials would be F.U. Pritchett. My other fave Modern Family was when they acted like they were in a telenovela!:)

Katy
 

Bailey Marie--Yes, Fulgencio divulged that the only woman he ever loved was Mercedes.

Marina could only be Fulgies if she was bedding both him and Ariel at the same time. She's for sure told us in viewerville that the twins are Ariel's.

We know they can't be Michel's, though he's the man Mercedes loved (and who "took her away" from Fulgie). What we don't know is whether Mercedes had ever returned Fulgie's love or was in all in his head, like Hernan's.

So, does Mercedes know that Fulgie is viewerville's prime suspect in the murder of Michel? We heard him saying that he paid for that transgression with his life.

There are still a lot more intriguing details to be revealed.

Mercedes is also my favorite character (and actress). I love her voice her manner, everything, except her Cher wigs. I want her to come to the pueblo NSDM for more interaction with Jose and Damian.

Now we know why she was completely veiled for the religious procession--Fulgencio would have recognized her.
 

Sylvia:

What a great recap! You have all my sympathy for that endless dialogue in the church. I could hardly understand a word said by WL. I don't know how I am going to recap without CCs! I amy have to get a new TV! Hee hee.

I could not believe how much time they spent filming in the church. What a place for another 'accidental' meeting. I am sure it is cheap to rent for filming but the acoustics are awful for recording delicate conversations.

The whole trafficking in women storyline is so disgusting that I can hardly even comment. Bah. But the woman hunting scene was just despicable. UA has a point about Mejia and misogyny.

I still adore Ivan Sanchez the actor (TN Gods and Goddesses--Please make him a galan in the future!) but Hernan is a dreadful and dangerous man.

Mads, ditto on your comment on Commandante Robles. I hope he heroically rescues all the women and gets a really big belt buckle as a reward. Anita might pre-oder them to stock the Storm cellar tienda. (Hee hee, El Tal inside joke).

Sylvia, your cleverness with words is yet to be beat. I always adore reading your recaps and I am so happy to be 'working' with you again.

Elna June

 

Anita- I must not have been paying attention when Mercedes told us that Ariel was the father of the twins. I usually listen rather than watch, and I use the Spanish subtitles. My bad!

Hernan's angry violin theme song is so funny.
 

Thank you Cap'n Sylvia for the wonderful recap, and the vocabs. my personal fave .... "and he discovered the truth of this in her lips. (Oh my!! He does have a way with words.)"

I thought the church scene was beautiful. I'm a sucker for hot galans who spill their guts out, and pursue the woman of his heart tirelessly.
 

Bailey Marie, I always smile at Hernan's angry violin theme song. And then, as Katy pointed out, he goes and plays Minuet in G, lol! Maybe he had to soothe his savage soul or something.

EJ, I believe the Storm Cellar has been adequately stocked with big belt buckles. And yes, weren't the church acoustics terrible? They were whispering, which helped, but still. And as for understanding William, I think we are the point where he's going to keep saying the same things over and over, so if you can manage to get the first sentence (and good luck with that), then you are probably good.
 

elna june - I share your wish for Ivan Sanchez as galan. his stint was short-lived in LRDS.


 

EJ--
The StormCellar does not stock said trouser accessories, but we are sponsoring the The Aaron Diaz Really Big Belt Buckle Awards Ceremony. It will be given out at the end of the novela--to anyone who deserves it.

(We are an equal opportunity awards show).

The on-line gala will be on CarayCaray, accompanied by appropriate classical mariachi groups and a solo violinist (maybe).
 

Anita:

Oh my heavens! I wouldn't miss this gala affair. Perhaps I'll wear tight colored jeans under my ball gown, just so I can feel like I am in the spirit of La Tempestad.

EJ
 

EJ:

El Tal will haunt us foreva ; )
 

EJ and Shallowgal: iSTA about Ivan Sanchez. Sometimes I think they cast these TN actors by who has the squarest jaw line and he certainly takes the cake there. And that hair...gorgeous.

Cap'n Sylvia, I think u nailed it! Hernan was calming himself down by playing his recital piece from when he was in elementary school! I SO hope Marina doesn't settle for Hernan to avoid her feelings for Dam Fab!

Katy
 

I realized last night that Marina doesn't have a best friend. They always have a best friend. Maybe she'll show up later. Unless the aunt is going to fulfill that role.

 

I checked the ratings for this TN on Nielson and believe it or not it had 3.9 million peeps that watched the premiere epi. I really think it will do well here in the U.S. due to WL. This TN made Uni number two in the market. Not bad.
 

I'm going to wear a short skirt, bring a fan, stand it front of it and hold my skirt down all night.

"I SO hope Marina doesn't settle for Hernan to avoid her feelings for Dam Fab!" Uh Oh...JINX!!!

Mads, poor old El Tal had a good viewing for its premiere too. 'Nuff said. I wonder if Rafael Novoa ever recovered? I think he really got the brunt of it, whatever "it" was. But I think William Levy is on a wave of popularity here in the U.S., which will help a lot. And La Temp is nowhere near as bad as El Tal.

 

Sylvia, your comments made me laugh so hard, " Bea wants Rebecca to help her manipulate and destroy Marina's love life." So true, so true. I was shaking my head as I watched this scene. I am so glad I don't have a mother like her. I cannot wait to see her face when she finds out the truth about her beloved Hernan.

I don't understand why Damian tells Marina they can run away together and start a new life? Everyone in town already knows that Damian is only marrying Estercita so that people in town don't talk about her, which everyone already is doing and Marina never said yes to Hernan about marrying him or even dating him. So it's not like they are doing something wrong.

Meredes' story sounds complicated, the love of her life is Michel, but she had twins with Ariel, and Fulgencio is in love with her. What does Ernesto have to do with her?

Mayuya's strategy for getting Damian is so dumb. and where are her parents? She is always hanging around Estercita and her family at their house. Doesn't she have a job or something?

By the way, not sure if you guys know this already, but the Univision website or Hulu has aired episodes of La Tempestad available and it comes with english subtitle! I am so glad Univision made this transition.
 

How does the Fool figure that Michel stole Mercedes from him? Mercedes and Michel were best friends (although she wanted more), never a couple. Probably one of those jump-to-conclusions misunderstandings that made Ful hate Michel and get blinded by his rage.

Sylvia: "Hernan whine-shouts" is perfect. He sounds so girly with his tirades. His voice cracks like an adolescent's when he tries to rant and rage out loud. lol

Lazaro can't tell anyone the real reason Jazmin has that "job" because he promised her he wouldn't say anything. She made him promise not to tell her story "for his own protection" so the bad guys won't hurt him if they know he knows. Here we go again, keep lying for someone else's good when telling the truth (especially to the federales) would solve their problems.
 

Caroline--Ernesto was the man who brought her to the city in the first place, with the promise of a singing career and instead, installed her in a hovel. If she did go into prostitution, he would have had to be her pimp. He still called her a piece of basura when they talked at the club (before he was escorted out).
 

Back in the dim and distant, I read that Carla's next one was going to (possibly) star the MEPS trio: FC, SN and Lu.

The first time I saw Hernan, I thought he looked like a wolf. So now, I think of him as Wolf Guy.
 

Rebeca might not be José's type, but I bet she is Carlos' type. Am I right Carlos, your mujer of this novela just entered the picture?
 

Variopinta: Thought the same as you when she came on the scene. She does seem like Carlos' kinda gal.
 

Nanette
Meant to say before that I love your avatar
 

Variopinta and Nanette,

How great that you are looking out for me. I'm very fond of the actress who is playing Rebeca and though we've only just met her, I definitely have a positive first impression. I'm anxious to see if she sizes up Hernán as the creepy little roach that he is.

By the way, I'm also impressed by what little we've seen of Candi.

Carlos
 

Nora Salinas (Rebeca) looks so different from her FELS role.
 

I'm late to the party, so I'll just say great work Sylvia, and ditto everything everyone else said. :)
 

Great recap Cap’n, it’s always a pleasure. I don’t have time to read’em every day.
I loved, “Humans are the only animals that eat with their enemies.” Gave me a mental picture of two dogs talking, “I’ll never eat with that jerk”.
Coral is a skeleton, but I did think the necklace looked Kind of like a sea snail shell, one of those long ones. Not that it matters.

 

Wonderful!!

I know everyone was a bit like blah blah blah with the Church scenes but, DamFab was kinda pouring out his heart(with some great swoon-worthy words) and getting his heart handed to him on a platter

Yes, I have to agree with whoever said why does Dam think they can just run away somewhere. They are grown people they don't need to run away together and Marina's Mom is ill, she can't just roll out with an ill parent. Think Dam, Think!

Uh, the bow and arrow was beyond ridiculous. I felt like I was watching the Hunger Games mixed with something. Anytime you have people being hunted down, it is absolutely horrifying. If it wasn't for the rest of the story I would have a hard time with this one but, WL keeps me firmly planted on my couch for an hour.

Uh, I am still on the fence about Tía Becky. She was pushing hard like Bea on Marina's love life, At this point Bea needs to marry H.

Yes, I agree with whoever said Dam was an "oaf" for dropping the ring. Really, at that moment you get butterfingers, really!

I have to say a bright spot was seeing Laz man up...when he took the mop to Lolo? (Is that right?)I was glad he defended his girl even though his boatmate was joking. He does need a chillpill but I liked seeing him show some moxie.

Excellent recap...Thank you. Again, I was laughing.
 

Sylvia,
I can't possibly quote all the lines I loved -- there are too many of them and lots (but not all) have already been mentioned.

How smart and funny you are, my friend! Ok, I can't resist luxuriating over these lines, philosophical musings and all:

Enough of this dismal star-crossed lover crapola. Let’s go to a lovely outdoor restaurant where Hernán and Fulgencio are enjoying lunch and beers but not necessarily the company. (Off topic: I heard once that humans are the only animals who will eat with their enemies. Does that make Damian a higher species than these two?)

P.S. Katy, I am beyond flattered that you mistook Sylvia's writing for mine! :)
 

I'a little late in watching this series but this has to be my favorite recap so far.. So well described and very very funny comments.

Thank you for all the great writing you do on this site!!